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A vibrant bowl of homemade Christmas Cranberry Sauce sits on a festive holiday table, ready to be served.

Amazing Christmas Cranberry Sauce

This homemade Christmas Cranberry Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful condiment, perfect for balancing the richness of your holiday meal. It's surprisingly easy to make and offers a festive experience with bright citrus, warm spices, and optional extras like nuts or ginger.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Condiment, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • Juice of 1 orange
  • 1/4 cup orange liqueur Cointreau or Grand Marnier
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger optional
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries optional

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Zester
  • Juicer
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Airtight container
  • Refrigerator

Method
 

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
  3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the orange liqueur (if using) and any optional extras like nuts, ginger, or dried cranberries.
  5. Let the cranberry sauce cool completely at room temperature. As it cools, it will thicken considerably.
  6. Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen.

Notes

For a tarter sauce, reduce the sugar slightly. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a tablespoon or two of water or orange juice to thin it out. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Make a double batch and freeze half for later use. Spice it up by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. Toast nuts before adding for a richer flavor. Experiment with different liqueurs like brandy or rum.